When Pressure Puts A Mirror To Your Face... What Do You See?

I was recently watching a tennis match, where Roger Federer was on the brink of losing, but found a way to come back and win. The announcers kept talking about his ability to "thrive under pressure." They were in awe of how good he plays when he's under the most stress, trying to explain it to the viewers, but not quite sure what to say.

I couldn't help but scream at the television, wishing I was in the booth breaking down Federer's mental toughness. He does thrive under pressure, playing his best when he's being pushed to the limit... but why? What separates him from the others? During these moments, what does he see staring back at him when he's forced to look in the mirror?

I ask these questions, not because I want you to analyze a sporting event ~ instead, I want you to ponder your own specific challenges and pressures. You and Federer have a lot in common... you just don't know it yet.

The more strain he feels, the better he plays... why? Because he LOVES THE PRESSURE! He embraces the difficult emotional moments, and understands that most of his competition does not. How does this relate to your life? Pressure is a part of all of us, whether we're professional athletes, trying to create a healthier body, in the corporate world ~ whatever the specifics. How we handle the pressure is what will ultimately define us.

Learn to love the pressure we feel, rather than running away.

"I love the challenge of losing (X) lbs. this month. This will be exciting, trying to stay mentally and emotionally tough all month long. Nothing will hold me from accomplishing my goal because I'm too tough. I love the pressure."

"I thrive under the pressure my boss just put on my shoulders. The higher the expectations, the better I'll do."

Pick a situation, put "love the pressure" into the sentence, and witness the different feelings you immediately have. Strength and confidence automatically become part of your core, because there isn't fear attached to that pressure any longer ~ only passion, assurance, and determination.

Roger Federer competes better than his opponents when the match is on the line ~ when he's walking that tight rope. He's learned to love the situation, and builds confidence from the fact that most run away from it. You can love it too. Simply, switch your mindset.

Look at your specific challenges through different lenses from now on. Break away from the majority who dread these moments... who fear failure. Instead, invite success!

Pressure is our best friend. He forces us to concentrate and dig deep to achieve. He's directly responsible for every goal we've accomplished in the past, and every goal we'll attain in the future.

When pressure puts a mirror to your face... what do you see?